Two Words

Low budget. If that still doesn't make sense, here are two more words: artistically disappointing.

I and four other twilighters trooped to Greenbelt last Wednesday to catch the midnight showing of Twilight - the one thing we all have been waiting for. I and the other twilighters left that theater unanimously feeling like we've been had.

The make-up was horrible. The script was flat. The scoring did not score. The special effects were not special. The editing needed more. The acting did not move me. The whole film was amateurish.

Twilight, was, the low budget film that it was. IF not for the books, I may never watch it again, as I will this weekend. ;) [A fan is a fan.] :)

Twilight Musings: Stars

Jasper, Alice, Emmett, Rosalie, Edward Cullen

Did I expect the actors to be anything like the Cullen kids in my mind? Hmmm. Well, I do not think I really had a face for any of them so it was quite easy to fit the actors' faces to the characters'. I had the easiest time with Rosalie, because women who are said to be outstandingly pretty in the books are often portrayed by blondes like the actress playing her. The Bond Girl who played Jane Bennett in Keira Knightley's Pride and Prejudice is an example.

I had the hardest time getting used to the on-screen Jasper (what's with the hair!) but I think eventually, the image stuck and actually gave more character to the character. Haha.

I think Ashley Greene fits Alice so well - the spiky hair, the cool fashion. =) Kellan Lutz, well, that bod explains all of Emmett's love for a good fight.

And Rob? Hmmm, no question on the messy hair - it's character itself. I think Rob is not as striking as the Edward I expected but it seems he did act so well, he gave Edward life on screen. But, regardless, I embrace anything and everything in that movie. Can't wait to finally see it. (The premiere buzz is cruel. My EQ, or what's left of it, is being tested to its limits.) =)

Single Ladies

I just cannot let this pass:


This was a recent SNL skit posted by a friend in Facebook (thanks, Imee). It gave my heart its best laugh today. LOL. Justin was so game! :)

The New Cover Boy

I was out for lunch today when I chanced upon that Newsweek commemorative issue on the right. It was just too tempting to pass up. Someday, my children and grandchildren will find that issue in their ma/grandma's attic and probably find a historical gem. Haha.

Of course, I had to add in the latest TIME. Afterall, Newsweek was mostly pictures. Ah, I'm guessing all stuff Obama are hot these days. The newsstand salesgirl cheerfully volunteered that the above mags were flying off her shelves. Obama surely faces a whole lot of expectations.

More Than Just Coffee

It was almost noon but I hadn't really had a full meal yet, so I hurried to Seattle's before heading to a 1pm appointment. I still fondly remember the order I took when I last visited the coffee shop, so, I looked forward to enjoying the new discovery again:


I only mostly order coffee before but after I tasted the above treat, I knew I would be coming back for it. Seattle's Best, it turns out, is more than just good coffee. ;)

Being a lazy Sunday, there were a few people around, so I was able to get myself both of the country's biggest national papers (see above). And yes, that's Chris Brown and Rihanna in the paper to the left. Both are in the country for a joint concert tonight. Don't get me wrong, I find both artists admirable - I like Brown's "With You" and love all of Rihanna's unique music. However, I kinda felt having them grace the frontpage of a national daily a bit inappropriate. Is their arrival such a national issue? Ah, no wonder I've always had more respect for the other paper.

The Taylor Chronicles: Taylor

To me, Taylor Swift is to country music what Jane Austen was to English literature: a breath of fresh air, a fascination, a revolution.

There have been singer-songwriter-guitar players before her but Taylor brings into the scene a kind of passion so energetic and a kind of talent all her own, that you can't help but notice and eventually learn to love her music. Her triple-platinum debut album is an undeniable witness to this. As a Good Morning America host once commented, Taylor was something that was dropped onto the stage and massively exploded - in the best sense, that is. But the numbers regardless, Taylor is a breath of fresh air because her songs are original and crafted in such a way that anyone who dare listen are able to relate to the songs like they were their own.

With her achievements, you'd think she'll be older than her sweet 18. When you watch her interviews, you'd think it's an older, perceptive soul speaking. With her resolve, you'd wonder why self-knowledge would come to people like her so soon. Who would refuse a record deal just because they were not allowed to sing their own songs? Who would refuse potential fame and riches just because they were denied the chance to be who they are and to do the stuff that define them? And she was only 13 when she made the decision! Taylor knows what she is all about and it is fascinating to see that in such young a person.

Despite the wave of troubled young celebrities, Taylor is able to keep her smart head level-headed, and her attitude cool and positive. She wears an honesty in her communications with fans that is not often seen in people of her stature. She exudes a character that is appreciative of life and simply, good. Taylor makes a special mark in the biz because she understands the responsibility beside the fame, and appreciates her success for what it truly is - a wonderful, wonderful blessing.

Lost in Madagascar

Even Alice could not have seen it coming. You see, I unexpectedly found myself in Madagascar today:
Alice could not have predicted it because I haven't really made up my mind about watching until the last minute. Traffic looked bad and I didn't think I could go straight home, so, I detoured and hurried to Greenbelt to catch the earliest showtimes. =)

It was a choice betweeen animals and James (haven't seen James yet). I do not think James would like it but he lost to the former. Unfortunately for him, I just wasn't in the mood for serious action. I have an inkling that James' fast-paced sequences would carry a nerdy story (just like the first one - financial options, duh), and I didn't want to do anymore thinking. So, Madagascar was the choice.

Well, it was ok. Typical animated movie. The scenes were amazing, as expected. But I think it didn't offer anything new really. And the laughs...well, they were few and far in between, as far as I was concerned.

Regardless, it was a good thing to have the choice to do something else (e.g., see a film) rather than get stuck to a routine. =)

Light on a Manic Monday

Just when I thought Monday would go by without much to be especially glad about, dear ol' Ely would drop me an invite for that tease of a movie, Twilight. =) Finally, Ely, you have heeded my calls! Hehe. This just proves that being a Twilighter is a very good thing. Apart from the literary pleasure, it can also gather long lost friends. ;)

Looking forward to the movie and talk. =) You better fill me in on your law years or I'll sue. Hehe. Kidding.

P.S. #1 Ynnah, newly-born Twilighter that you are, is it already definite you can't make it?
P.S. #2 Hmmm, I wonder if Popo has already started the read...

Sleepy Rainy Sunday

It is raining outside, and the city seems to be on a standstill - quiet, covered by the dimming raincloud, and looking like everyone's taking a restful afternoon nap. I opened my window and the rushing breeze not only touched my skin but my spirit as well. The rain almost always brings with it a calming effect on me. After it naturally bathes all things on soil, I feel that its next mission is always to soothe me...make me feel that despite life's challenges, everything is going to be all right.

Now is one of the moments I love most - a sleepy rainy Sunday afternoon, my open window inviting the cool wind to come fill the room, my fave music streaming, and blogging away. I feel happy and at peace with the world.

Green

Aren't those eyes pairs of lovely, lovely green?

The Taylor Chronicles: Introduction

This was the moment that started it all, the "it" being my fascination with country star Taylor Swift:


Before that fateful Ellen appearance, I had no idea who she was. I have not heard of her, nor of her songs. It only took that Ellen interview, however, to let her creep into my esteem. She was funny, smart, candid and obviously passionate about her music. Add to that the facts that she was also a songwriter and guitar player, and she cemented her place in my list of great finds. And when she performed, wow, I could feel her energy (and that of her band) all the way to my side of the globe. ;)

I had to write down her name and promise myself to look her over google the next time I got online. It was a promise I was glad I kept...

The Speech

There were a number of lines in Obama's victory speech that I especially liked, and one of them is this one:

"It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy..."

I am amazed at the delivery of that speech. I can't imagine myself capable of memorizing the lines and delivering them the way Obama did - well-paced, seemingly spontaneous (it couldn't have been, could it?), sincere and oozing with quiet confidence.

Uh, well, I guess it's forgivable if I can't. After all, I'm not a US president-elect. Hehe. :)

Congrats, America

Even to this far a country, THIS is the highlight of the day. Obama wins. What history.

Amidst the rubble of the financial mess and fears of deep recession, America took the stage and performed outstandingly. The voter turnout, the activism of high profile names, the decisive vote, the gracious acceptance of defeat by McCain, the victory of a man which decades back was considered an impossibility...are a reminder of why America rules.

Hats off. :)

James and I

James Bond will come to theaters again starting tomorrow, but I feel like I've beaten him to the action. I did a thousand things today, and the way I've accomplished the errands I've set to do, feels like I'm a hero. Or heroine, that is. LOL. I'm exaggerating, of course. ;)

Seriously, it feels real good having finally done the weekend's unfinished business (chores, hehe), and some stuff that I've postponed for the longest time. If there is one lesson I re-learned today, it's realizing that nothing can be left undone once I've made up my mind to do it. Well, having vacation leaves I have to use by yearend (or they'll go pffft) was great help. ;)

Tomorrow, though, is another day. Busy day, that is. So, sorry James, you and I will have to meet this weekend. =)

Scariest Halloween Costume

Ellen once again won me over with her Halloween special tonight. Wanda Sykes ("New Adventures of Old Christine") guested, and she was terrific.

In line with the show's Halloween costume theme, Sykes came in wearing the above costume (left). The conversation (gist only, not verbatim):

Ellen: So, what are you?
Wanda: I'm a Wall Street executive.
Ellen: And that hat?
Wanda: Is my golden parachute.

LOL! What an extremely relevant get-up. Loved it. =)

TOSH and Stories

The "The Old Spaghetti House" (TOSH) has recently been a favorite witness to a candid exchange of life stories with my old friends. I think it's both the food and the ambience that provide such a cozy venue to ask the usual 'how-are-yous' and the more brazen follow-up questions. Well, who can dodge a probing question when your mind is occupied with the mouth-watering Mud Pie? ;)

Venue-aside, I think meeting with friends and getting updated on each other's lives is one of the best things in life. :)

High School Musical 3

Went to see this gem of a movie last night. I'm not really into musicals, but this one was a pleasure to watch. I can't believe how well-executed the production numbers are. So creative, original, screaming with artistic energy.

Zac Efron is an extremely talented star. In addition to the good looks and singing, he is a brilliant dancer. When he moves, there's never an awkward moment. Just a fluid sway of the body that matches every beat of the music. Geez, I'm a Zac fan. Hehe.

All the kids in the movie are very talented. They deserve the worldwide appreciation. =)

Thanks, Pops, for the invite. =)

Compliment

I was quite early for a meeting the other day, so I helped myself to a seat outside the conference room, regretting not having brought anything worth reading to kill time. And just when I was starting to surrender to a few minutes of unproductive existence, an angel came along.

Nope. He didn't come with wings, nor did he descend from the roof. ;) He simply got through the door, newspapers in hand, looking forward to literally bringing the news to his clients. The angel came in the form of our office's unofficial newspaper guy.

I used to buy my favorite paper from him but I haven't in a long time, primarily because I moved to a new group and a different floor. But he must have recognized me as well, because his face lit up a bit when I waved hello.

Not having brought a cent with me either, I dared ask if I could have my paper on credit. =) No questions asked, he proceeded to look for the paper I wanted from the stack he held. Unfortunately, he no longer had a copy of the paper. ):

He offered the other papers, but I only really wanted my paper, so, I said my heartfelt thanks and looked on to a passive existence.

But ---

To my surprise, he stayed on, took a seat and scanned through his stack. I didn't quite understood what he was doing but then he found what he was looking for...and gave it to me! He so kindly took time to search for that one paper he could give me - a complimentary copy of another paper he had! Ah, he really made my day. :)

Twilight Musings: Dangerous

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STOP! If you have NOT read the Twilight books, stop reading NOW. This post and posts with this same foreword are my own thoughts on the series. They may contain SPOILERS and I know nobody wants to be spoiled in this respect. I'd also hate to be the one to kill the excitement for anybody who happens to drop by and read. So, in the words (and style) of author Stephenie Meyer: YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
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Two things from the final pages of Breaking Dawn have been bugging me: Aro's wedding gift to Bella and Bella's newfound ability to lift her self-shield to let Edward see her thoughts. I feel something sinister about these two developments.

We know how Aro is. A schemer. Power-grabber. Cheater. So why would he send Bella an important jewelry for a wedding gift with nothing in it for him? I doubt he cared for Bella's or the Cullens' affection. Well, it may be possible that he wanted to simply be on their good side but he didn't have to send such a priceless gift. Unless, there's more to it for him.

I distinctly remember his words when he saw Bella wearing the gift at the battlefield. The book did not make a fuss on his words, but I fear that they were lethal: "I should have sent a note along with that gift". What could he have meant? My fear is, the gift is meant to do harm. Aro's comment was filled with sarcasm and malice.

And as for Bella's act of love, i.e., lifting her shield off herself so Edward could see how much he meant to her, I think it's an act of death as well. It's one thing for her enemies to know they could not touch her because her shield is natural and permanently attached to her, it's another for them to know that it could be lifted. It would take just a threat to Bella's loved one's life to get her to unshield herself.

Ah, Twilight can set a dormant imagination loose!

Come in, December

Oh, wow. My last post was Sunday. Hmmm, I guess that kinda describes how my week was. Bbbbbbussssy.

There were two surprising moments these few days that I especially remember though, and they're just about one thing really. For two straight mornings (I think it were Wednesday and Thursday) I stepped out of home, onto the busy street and then suddenly felt like it's Christmas. The air, the mood, seemed to me like the season was here, not more than a month later. The wonder of it was, nothing in the surrounding was yet physically Christmas-like: no lanterns, no christmas lights, no santa claus displayed anywhere.

Maybe, I'm just so looking forward into the season, that I could feel it in my bones this early. ;)

Twilight Musings: Alice

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STOP! If you have NOT read the Twilight books, stop reading NOW. This post and posts with this same foreword are my own thoughts on the series. They may contain SPOILERS and I know nobody wants to be spoiled in this respect. I'd also hate to be the one to kill the excitement for anybody who happens to drop by and read. So, in the words (and style) of author Stephenie Meyer: YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
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Among Edward's siblings, I am most fond of Alice. Her special talent is quite useful, yes, but it's the way she uses it that makes her extra special. Her intentions are always to help, be kind, support. In Breaking Dawn, I think that it was her who saved the day, or equally with Bella at least.

I love the stubbornness. She may drive Bella crazy sometimes, but it's those moments of persistence (the birthday party, the clothes) that bring in the affection. She's a classic I'll-get-my-way-no-matter-what girl but it's the kind that let's you like her more because she is so only if she firmly believes getting her way is best for all.

I think, she is the best sister and potential sister-in-law that Edward and Bella, respectively, could have. She welcomed Bella like a true friend and sister, and stood by the lovers in their many times of need. I particularly loved the way she connived with Edward to keep Bella from coming to La Push at the height of the Bella-Jacob story, the fact that she took care of Bella when the latter was recovering from James' attack, and her frustration at Bella's fashion style.

Now that I think of it, though, I cannot recall if Alice's story - past - has been sufficiently told in the books. Ah, I would have to re-read. =)

Tweaks and Turns

Well, it was good while it lasted. I was charmed with the original template this blog lived on and so, I no longer tweaked it as I normally would.

But somehow, the 'infatuation' slowly faded. That - and some free time - gave me the opportunity to bring Keira in.

Yep, that's Keira Knightley in the background of the blog, pensive atop a rock (it's a very steep cliff actually but the height cannot be seen). It's a scene in Pride and Prejudice, which she so brilliantly starred. I so love the pic, it has long been my old blog's background. I so love it still, that it's going to be this blog's too. =)

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Thanks much GRSites for the background clouds.

Unwritten

Sometimes, lyrics do really get to me. A word, a phrase, the message --- they make a song talk to me...make me feel like I own it because it's my story, my emotions, my thoughts that the song actually speaks of.

Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten" is one of those lyrics.

Unwritten

Natasha Bedingfield

I am unwritten

Can't read my mind

I'm undefined

I'm just beginning

The pen's in my hand

Ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window

Let the sun illuminate the words

That you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

I break tradition

Sometimes my tries

Are outside the lines

We've been conditioned

To not make mistakes

But I can't live that way

Unwritten. I love the word...the freedom it promises. My future (blank page) is up to me (pen's in my hand)! Isn't that great to know? Isn't that wonderful to sing about? :)

And yes, I shouldn't let anyone live my life for me, because only I can truly feel the rain on my skin, speak the words on my lips. Literally, who else can?

The self-affirmation in the song is enough to raise a weary spirit and put one in a good mood. The empowerment is so strong, it can make one think that nothing - nothing - is impossible. =)

4-0

I've proven today that the keys to success are a shameless face and resilience to constant embarrassments. ;) And if that success is one that is shared with somebody else, teamwork plays a crucial role.

I played badminton only occasionally in the past, but for lack of other more enjoyable alternatives, I took the game a little more seriously in recent months to help lose the piling weight. I ended up signed to a badminton tournament (doubles) and thus, the necessity to play against other badminton club players for practice.

"Practice" sounds good, except that the club mostly has veteran players...people who have been playing even before badminton became as popular as it is now. In years, that equates to about a decade of regular play.

And that disparity in experience (10+ years to mine's months) shows. The club's practice system is designed in such a way that players are on a queue and so, we don't really get to choose our opponents. Most of the time, my opponents are the vets.

Having experts to play with is primarily good for me because that just means that I will learn from the best. However, playing with the best also means that I stuck out as the sore thumb (I spoil a good rally), I made otherwise unnessary errors (I miss hitting an easy ball), and I deprived the vets with a challenging game.

This is not to say that the vets were not gracious enough to invite me to play despite knowing how little I spice up a game. Some even encouraged me to play more since I supposedly had 'potential' (ehem). =) Others who I get to partner with were even heroic enough to cover the rest of the court that I sadly couldn't reach.

Still, the fact remains: I played relatively bad. If that's not embarrassing enough, I would have to add to my conscience the additional fact that I may also have been making the games of other club members bad. These facts regardless, I continued to play, and play, and play.

The pay-off?

A 4-0 tournament result, in our favor! Yep, that's winning all four of our games and us (me and my partner) becoming "champions" in our bracket. Cheers! =)

And speaking of 'partner'. An important element of our sweep was our amazing teamwork. Let me tell how it worked:

• my partner did most of the smashes (kills) while I made sure to keep my service errors to a minimum =)
• my partner kept herself busy with returning the ball while I applauded everytime she scored =) =)
• my partner ran the courts while I stayed out of her way because she had a better chance of hitting the ball =) =) =)

Amazing, eh? LOL.

The Problem

The problem with being teased to the max (see preceding post) is it changes your normal way of living.

As a rule, I don't buy hardbound books. I believe that if I had patience, I could save myself half the price for something that will have the same content regardless of the cover. And so, I usually end up getting myself the paperback.

But --- not this time.

Breaking Dawn has to complete the set. And so, it did: